Hangi Instructions

A Hangi is the traditional New Zealand Maori way of steaming food underground. Maori settlers in New Zealand pioneered the technique which is widely known for it’s distinct flavor. The methods used to prepare a Hangi are truly unique. Preparation usually takes up to 1-2 days but is well worth it. The purpose of this article is to give you a brief overview of the whole Hangi process.

Hangi food has a taste unlike anything else you will ever try. The food is buried underground where it cooks for several hours. That’s right, the food is ACTUALLY buried in the ground as part of the steaming process. If you ever come to New Zealand, trying a Hangi is an absolute MUST DO. You can’t honestly say that you’ve experienced New Zealand if you haven’t eaten a Hangi.

Here’s how it’s done:

Step 1: Special volcanic rocks are located as to provide the heat to cook the food. Normal rocks won’t normally do the job because they can break when heated to a high temperature. Using the correct type of rocks for this job is absolutely essential to the successful outcome of ANY Hangi.

Step 2: These stones are placed in the fire and heated for quite a few hours until they are white hot. The wood used can alter the taste of the Hangi for good or bad. Natural timber is best and there are few special types which give a lovely smoky taste. On the other hand, treated timber or chemicals in the wood can make you sick by contaminating your food.

Step 3: Dig the Hangi Pit. Try to get as many people around for this step as possible.

Step 4: Pack your Hangi basket with a combination of raw, but thoroughly defrosted, meat, vegetables, stuffing and 1-2 steam puddings. Hangi baskets are generally made out of of wire or steel. The base of the basket is generally lined and the food has to be packed in a certain method for optimum cooking.

Step 5: Move the hot stones into the hole. Speed is of the essence during this step. Every second counts as heat is being lost as the rocks are exposed to the air. Once this transfer has occurred quickly place the basket on top of the hot rocks.

Step 6: Wrap the basket with moist sacking cloth.

Step 7: Use spades to cover the Hangi again with dirt until there is no steam escaping.

Step 8: Wait 2-3 hours and dig up the Hangi and ‘Hey Presto’, you’ve just cooked your very own Hangi!

Hangi fare is typically served as a public buffet. The fare is spread out on a table and people usually help themselves as they please. Good Hangi accompaniments include ‘Fried Bread’ or ‘Rewena Bread’ (Traditional Maori bread). If you would like to cook your own Hangi there is a lot more explicit information you should have with regards to your equipment, preparation and timing. If any one of these aspects is off your Hangi may well be a complete disaster. If you want more information about this truly unique cooking technique visit howtohangi.co.nz for photos, specific information and video footage.

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